Flash price on The Ultimate Motion Bundle

The Ultimate Motion Bundle

Back to How-Tos

How to use adjustment layers in After Effects

Adjustment layers apply effects to everything underneath without affecting individual layers — it’s the cleaner way to grade multiple clips at once.

Steps to use adjustment layers

Go to Layer → New → Adjustment Layer.

Creating a new adjustment layer from the Layer New menu in After Effects

Add an effect like Glow, Curves, or Blur to the adjustment layer.

Applying effects to an adjustment layer in After Effects

Move or trim the adjustment layer to control exactly where the effect applies in your timeline.

Moving or trimming an adjustment layer in the After Effects timeline to control effect areas

One more thing

Instead of going through the menu, create a new adjustment layer instantly with Ctrl+Alt+Y (Windows) / Command+Option+Y (Mac).

Related how-tos

How to use color grading effects in After Effects
How to add and edit cameras in After Effects
How to add drop shadow in After Effects

Need more help? Explore all our How-tos in one place.

Want to create professional videos in no time and impress your audience or clients?

Start with our 150 free templates and test them in your own projects, or go further if you’re ready and grab The Ultimate Motion Bundle to make your videos look so freakin’ good.